TMI Chest Reduction Surgery

[afjordlife]

Has anyone here had chest reduction surgery and if so, what was your experience and did it reduce riding related back pain?

I am seriously considering it. I gained a ton of weight a few years ago and have been working steadily at taking it off since the start of 2020. When I gained the weight, my boobs basically exploded. I’ve always been curvy but I went from a very manageable 36D to a 40G. With a 50lb weight loss so far, I haven’t lost as much of my chest as I expected, I’m down to a 38F. I still have 15lbs to go to hit my goal weight, but I’m not feeling super optimistic about my boobs shrinking that drastically. I’m very active — riding, running, weight lifting, rowing, HIT — and my chest constantly causes me shoulder pain, lower back pain, I get rashes from sweat etc. and while riding, I genuinely think the weight of my chest is part of why I tip forward a lot more than I used to before I gained the weight. Any experiences here? Was it worth it?

[Kyrabee]

Yes. My reduction was in 2009. I even paid out of pocket. Absolutely the best spent 10K I have ever spent.

I was probably an F cup when I had it done but much of the problem with mine was sag…not just size. My nipples pointed at the ground! My surgeon said that she would do a lift with the reduction and that was as important as the reduction…she was right. I went down to a big B, little C cup. When I woke up from surgery, I sat up and it was like I no longer had an anvil on my chest. Now the nipples are nice and perky and where they belong.

My riding improved a lot. Not riding around like a turtle trying to pull it’s head in…just trying to protect my poor shoulders.

I have gained weight back to a bit more than when I had it done. Bra shopping can still be problematic as I require a large band size but small cups. I should have had some lipo done at the same time to address the back fat. If I can ever get the excess weight off, I might try some Cool Sculpting. So my only regret is that I didn’t have the back fat addressed at the same time.

Susan

[PonyPenny]

Yes, I had mine done in 2019. Best decision ever. My husband’s retirement health savings plan paid for it, but I would of done it out of pocket. You will not regret it.

[afjordlife]

Thanks to both of you for that insight! There is a reasonable chance our health insurance might cover it as I’ve been going to a doctor for over a year who says he will sign off on it being medically necessary as I’m seeing little improvement with significant weight loss and regular chiropractic work. Even if the insurance won’t cover it, I still think it may be worth doing!

[NancyM]

I know two people who have had this done. Both were very pleased with the results.

[hoopoe]

This topic comes up here and on other horse forums and NEVER have I seen anyone say they wish they never did it.

Living life without the pain of back issues and, in some cases, issue of self esteem, are huge pluses.

I hope your journey forward is positive.

[NaturallyHappy]

What was the recovery process?

[trubandloki]

@NaturallyHappy

What was the recovery process?

I am not sure what exactly you are asking but from what I understand this surgery is one that you NEED to listen to your doctor’s recovery rules and even though you might feel better you should wait until they say it is OK to go back to regular activities (lifting, riding, etc).
The friend(s) I know that have had this surgery found that wait difficult because they felt so much better after the surgery, but they heard enough horror stories that they did wait.

[Kyrabee]

I was ‘away’ from the horse for about 6 weeks. I had mine done in January so that helped . My surgeon said she was much more worried about the horse jerking on me while being lead and rupturing a suture line than she was about me riding. I listened to her. I had lifting restrictions but otherwise had no trouble with my activities of daily living as a single person. I did go out and pet the horse on the nose a few times and left handling to other people (she didn’t need much as she was out 24/7). When I started riding, I still wore my binder for 2 or 3 weeks. I ended up with a very nice cosmetic result. I know that the procedure has continued to evolve but I would listen to the MD and FOLLOW Their directions to the letter.

Susan

[candyappy]

I have the opposite problem ( I am happy about that) but I have 2 friends who had a substantial reduction and they have been thrilled with the results and have zero regrets. The relief of back/ shoulder pain was the first thing they noticed.

[PonyPenny]

I walked taller and straighter right after surgery. It was like a giant weight was removed from the front of my body. I waited eight weeks before I rode again with a really good sports bra.